Many people have a weakness for romance. Netflix, for instance, introducedBridgertonto the world in December 2020 and has since lured viewers into yearning for incredible chemistry, will-they-won’t-they dynamics, steamy scenes, and fancy balls in the before times. Whileits upcoming fourth season doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet, why not watch another show that boasts similar vibes? If you’re looking for an alternative in the downtime between seasons ofBridgerton, head to Max and watchLike Water for Chocolate.This new show is slowly gaining traction and will surely make you feel many emotions simultaneously, but instead of the Regency era, you’ll be transported back to the Mexican Revolution.
‘Like Water for Chocolate’ Is ‘Bridgerton’ Meets Magical Realism
Like Water for Chocolatebased on a 1989 novel written byLaura Esquivel, which was previously adapted for the silver screen in 1992 with a movie directed byAlfonso Arau. The new Max series follows a young woman named Tita (Azul Guaita), who is kind and beautiful and loves to make incredible dishes whenever she can. She also has a lover whom she has known since childhood, named Pedro (Andres Baida). Despite the two wanting to spend the rest of their lives together,it’s tradition that the youngest sibling in the family — which, in this case, is Tita — must not wedand instead stay at home to take care of their parents.
This long-standing tradition breaks Tita’s heart, as she wants a life with Pedro, so she resorts to trying to see him while entertaining the possibility of a future for them in the process. Throughout the story, Tita experiences a range of emotions, something that she channels through her cooking. Little does she know thatshe can infuse her dishes with whatever emotion she’s feeling. For instance, when a tear falls into Tita’s batter, the guests who eat it will also feel sadness.
‘Like Water for Chocolate’ Review: There’s More Than Enough Spice in This Comforting Dish
HBO’s unconventional spin on the classic novel shows some promise in its initial episodes.
‘Like Water for Chocolate’ and ‘Bridgerton’ Tackle Similar Themes
Bridgertonhas become big as it is thanks to the intense chemistry between each of the featured couples, but the Netflix show also tackles the pros and cons of old traditions, such the expectation of wedding someone reputable after reaching marrying age. LikeBridgerton,Like Water for Chocolatealso focuses on families honoring certain traditionsand practices to maintain a respectable standing in society.
Instead of Tita and Pedro marrying, her mother decides to give Pedro to her other daughter, Rosaura (Ana Valeria Becerril), because she is the oldest.Their marriage is not for love, but for the sake of convenience and traditions. Meanwhile, Tita is expected to take care of her mother rather than marry. InBridgerton, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) is initially promised to marry a man she doesn’t fully love, but decides not to go through with it after realizing she has a deeper attraction for Simon (Regé-Jean Page). While these shows have contrasting ways of handling family themes — mostly due to cultural differences — the effects these traditions have on the characters' desire for romance is remarkably similar.
‘Like Water for Chocolate’ Also Features Forbidden (And Steamy) Romance
WhileLike Water for Chocolatedoesn’t have the same contemporary touchstones asBridgertonor classical renditions of modern music, it knows how to wield its romantic beats to keep the viewer invested.Like Water for Chocolateboasts an element of magical realism, which sets it apart fromBridgerton, butthe two shows still share the same trope of forbidden love. Though we are already aware of the relationship between Tita and Pedro in the first episode, the rest of the show is more or less a slow burn between their characters. Tita and Pedro’s love story isn’t easy, largely in part due to Tita’s mother. However, despite all of their hardships, they still strive to make it work because their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles that attempt to stand in their way.
Forbidden love is a delicious trope if done right, andLike Water for Chocolatehas plenty to offer fans of romance. You can’t help but root for Tita and Pedro because, from the very beginning, it’s clear that they are meant to be together. At one point, Tita even explains that there’s no concrete explanation for how they naturally gravitated toward each other from childhood on, but what is clear is the chemistry between the two and how determined they are to be in each other’s lives. So, if you’re looking fora show that will make you feel the same way asBridgertondoes(in addition to a hunger for all of Tita’s cooking), thenLike Water for Chocolateis worth checking out. It’s even been renewed for a second season already — promising even more delectable romance to come.
Like Water for Chocolate
Set during the Mexican Revolution,Like Water for Chocolatefollows Tita de la Garza, the youngest daughter in her family, who is forbidden to marry due to tradition. Her profound love for Pedro Múzquiz is expressed through her magical cooking, which conveys her emotions to those who taste her dishes.
Like Water for Chocolateis available to stream on Max, with episodes dropping every Sunday.
WATCH ON MAX
